Merry Christmas, dear friends!
I’m so excited that you’re here today! Come on in and pour yourself something hot to drink.
But wait…I guess I’m getting ahead of myself.
If you’re visiting from Joy In Our Home‘s Holiday Home Tour, welcome! It’s so nice to “meet” you.
Luckily for you, if you’ve escaped from the blistering cold of the north, we have sunny skies and 50 degree weather here in South Cackalacky (“Carolina” if you’re giving me a crazy look right now).
It’s very rare that we get to use this sled on our porch here, but it has a special place in my heart. It was my mother’s when she was little, I enjoyed it during the “big snows” as a kid (all 10 inches of it usually), and it is now being passed down to my daughter.
But anyways, we don’t have to stand here on my porch all day. Come on in.
If you haven’t meandered over to my corner of the bloggy world before, our little family of three just moved in to our builder grade cookie cutter home exactly 1 year ago almost to the day. You can see our full progress tour here. And as we’ve been decorating for Christmas, it blows me away how much we have done on such a small budget (with thanks mainly to thrift store and Craigslist finds).
Exactly one year ago, this room was a plain white box. No furniture, paint, fireplace…nothing.
We are so giddy to even have a mantel to hang our stockings on this year.
Even though we usually don’t get a white Christmas around here, there is one thing about nature in the South that I absolutely love. Fraser Firs grow here! And they smell just as amazing as they look.
Since we have mainly invested in tons of home improvement projects this year, we really didn’t splurge much on Christmas decorations. So we ended up making ornaments by printing photos from the time Robert and I got engaged to present day.
I have to say, even though it was an idea for “tree filler” on the cheap, I think I want to keep this tradition by updating our tree with photos from the year. I loved every second of decorating our tree because we got to reminisce a bit. I want to squeeze this squishy little newborn Olivia here!
We busted out a few Christmas arts and crafts last week too. Pinterest, you rock my world with your amazing ornament DIYs.
Okay, giving you the grand tour of every single ornament could take days, so I’ll move on.
I’m so psyched about actually having this mantel to play with. It is no easy feat trying to decorate around a TV above our fireplace (there’s really no other place to put this monstrous thing), but sometimes necessity is the mother of invention. Making decor practical is just as important as making it beautiful, right?
We don’t actually have a working fireplace (we built it for less than $600), but we don’t usually need one anyway. We’ll pretend these logs will keep us warm. š
I know I mentioned we have a family of three, but shame on me…I forgot to count our nutso dog Lola. (She thinks she’s human, so we might as well give her a stocking too.)
Can you tell I’m obsessed with our fireplace? I’ll stop now. I guess you get the idea.
My absolute favorite spot though is actually this cozy little corner.
You caught me in the middle of writing a letter to Santa. I can explain. Really, I can! Eating dessert before dinner and staying up way past your bedtime is totally acceptable. I think he of all people would understand.
Although, my mom and I might be on the naughty list for picking leaves from a magnolia tree to make into this wreath. But we were just doing someone a favor by pruning it for them, right?
Oh, by the way, if you’re liking that vintage map and Ansel Adams print for super cheap, you can check out how to DIY them in those handy little links there.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without curling up in an easy chair with our squirmy toddler and reading a story. Dickens might be a bit much, but we’ll give her the short version.
You might have already seen our rustic entryway from earlier this week. It’s still a work in progress, but I had to dress up our fabulous Craigslist discovery- that reclaimed wagon bench.
Since Santa hasn’t arrived yet, we don’t have very many presents under the tree. But these two little mysteries are leaving me guessing.
Hang up your scarf and stay a while. We’re not quite finished.
Feel free to grab a bite at our kitchen table. You don’t even have to ask to raid our fridge.
But if you want a soda, I’m sorry to say I used up all of the bottles for our centerpiece. Kidding!
Hey, you can even stay for dinner in our dining room if you want. Just check the menu board in our kitchen to see if you’d want a bite.
If you couldn’t tell, we’re a bunch of bookworms in this house.
But our hallway chalkboard is sporting a verse from our favorite book of all. It reminds us what this season is really all about.
And our nativity scene in our foyer keeps our focus on what’s most important to remember at Christmas.
I guess that about does it. I truly wish you a blessed Christmas.
It was lovely to have you! I hope you visit again soon! Pop in anytime.
Be sure to check out the rest of these wonderful blogger friends’ holiday home tours. Today officially wraps up the tour.
Thank you so much, Kendra, for inviting me to join in on the fun! It definitely whipped me into shape to get moving on my Christmas decor this year.
– Monday –
1. Little Brags
– Tuesday –
4. Shambray
– Wednesday –
– Thursday –
– Friday –
3. Meet the Bs
Blessings,
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Or find me on
This is my favorite Christmas tour by far – I love all of your decorations and great ideas!!! There are too many favorites to name…..the fireplace, the comfy nook, your dining room table, the window chalkboard, the tree…. Thanks for sharing and for all of the great ideas.
Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!
Lanita
Thank you, Lanita! Blessings to you and yours too.
Lauren your home is gorgeous! Don’t even get me started on that fireplace and stacked wood…genius! Personally, my favorite is the typewriter vignette – great job! It’s been so wonderful sharing tour week with you. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
It has been a blast touring with you too, Vicki! Merry Christmas!
Lauren, your home is spectacular! Absolutly flawless! So talanted and so sweet!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Your home tour was wonderful too, Karen! Hope you have a blessed Christmas.
Lauren, your home is absolutely beautiful! Seeing it all now, I can’t say I have a favorite, because I love it all! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! So glad to “meet” you through this process. Hope we can stay in touch. Have a wonderful holiday!
Definitely, Iris! I’d love to stay in touch. Thanks for the love!
Beautiful home and beautiful decorations and ideas on a budget. That’s what I love about your blog. But the best part of your blog is the writing… you have such a way with word. Merry Christmas and God bless your family!!
That is probably the best compliment I’ve ever received, Mary! Thank you!
Lauren, I have been anxiously awaiting your home tour and it did not dissappoint! You cottage is sooo charming. I adore every bit of it. One question: the lamp next to the typewriter. Did you make it? and if not, where did you get it? Love the idea of putting up pictures on your tree!
Rebekah @ Charming Imperfections
Thanks so much, Rebekah! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I bought that lamp at Kirkland’s.
Wow! Just WOW! Can I move in with you? I love your home, and it looks amazing decorated for the holidays! So many special touches (the photograph ornaments, letter to Santa, the chalkboard verse) – love it all, Lauren! It’s been fun “touring” with you!
Thanks, Amy! I’ve enjoyed touring with you too! I loved your home tour.
Lauren your home looks amazing and wow what a difference a year makes. So gla dto have found you in the world of blogging. Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Pamela! That means so much coming from you. Hope you have a merry Christmas!
Hi Lauren, what a delight to take your tour first thing (well almost first thing) in the morning. You have super style and I shall be pinning a bunch here for inspiration!!! I love that little corner too…..so cozy !!! HUgs from WA
Christine from Little Brags
You’re too sweet, Christine! It’s been wonderful being a part of this tour with you too. Hope you have a merry Christmas!
This is so lovely, Lauren! I love all the little details you have — like those music scrolls in your entryway! You have such a warm and welcoming home. Merry Christmas!
Aw thank you! I swiped those music sheets from a storage closet at my parents’ house. Gotta love free decor. š
Hi Lauren! What a treat it was to go on your home tour! I love your sense of style and color! So happy to be on the Holiday Home Tour with you!
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge
It was wonderful being a part of the tour with you too, Michelle! Your home is lovely.
You have outdone yourself! Such a beautiful tour. I love everything about your Christmas decor. Your style is impeccable too. So happy to be on tour with you! Have a Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Nici
You are too kind, Nici! I enjoyed your tour too. Blessings to you and your family.
LAUREN!!! I LOVE your home!! Thank you SO much for sharing! The typewriter, the book with words on the side, the chalkboard frames – love it all! And that nativity scene is exactly what I’m looking for! Where did you find it? So wonderful “meeting” you too!
Lindi @ Love Create Celebrate
You are so sweet, Lindi! I found that nativity scene in a local antique shop here in Charlotte. I love it too.
Stuningly gorgeous, Lauren!! I love every single spot in your home!! Loving your little vignette with the typewriter, and that wreath is to die for! And I love your idea for your Christmas tree, so cute! So glad we got to do this home tour together; I loved getting to see more about your home and family!
Thank you, Amanda! I enjoyed touring with you too. Hope you have a merry Christmas!
Love all the gorgeous details of your home! So pretty, so cozy, I just love it! I absolutely heart that fireplace with the logs!
You’re too kind, Andrea! We really love that fireplace too. Thanks for the love!
Absolutely stunning! I love how you put everything together–it looks so cheery š
Thanks so much, Angela! Glad you like it as much as I do. š
Ekk!!!! I’ve been waiting for yours for all week and I love it! I knew I would. I love the idea of the picture ornaments!
You’re the sweetest, Shambray! Glad it didn’t disappoint.
Such fantastic pictures Lauren! Everything looks amazing!!!
Thanks, friend! Hope you and your precious family have a merry Christmas!
Your home looks so warm and inviting and the Christmas decor is perfect, it just blends in perfectly. I really love the wreath on your front door and that note on the typewriter, genius! Your fireplace is gorgeous too with all of the wood. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Carrie! Appreciate all the love. š We really love that fireplace too.
I love your tour, Lauren!! I LOVE your chalkboard window! I have an old window in my garage that I haven’t decided what to do with and I’m seriously thinking about making it just like yours. You have a gorgeous home and I’m amazed at all you’ve done with it in a year! -Amy
Thanks girl! I really love our chalkboard window too. It’s great for our windowless hallway and perks it up a bit. Feel free to copy away. š
Okay, so I’m seriously obsessed with your Christmas decor! Ignore me while I pin away! It’s all so beautiful!!!!
Haha go pin-crazy, Nicole. I really appreciate it. I enjoyed your tour too!
Lauren, your home is soo beautiful! So many things I love… the vintage typewriter, your dining room, and all the little touches here and there! It is so cozy! Love it all and I’m so, so glad you were a part of this tour, Lauren!
Kendra @ http://www.joyinourhome.com
I have LOVED being a part of this tour and “meeting” so many incredible bloggers. I owe it all to you, Kendra. Thank you for including me on the fun.
Lauren, I love your home! The front porch is to die for, and the rest of the house looks just as amazing! I love the sled and ice skates outside, as well as the wreath on your front door! I might have to make one of those next year! Happy to be a part of this tour with you š
You’re so sweet, Melanie! Thank you! Most of our porch decor is thrift store finds. So glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful Christmas tour!!
Thank you, Jennifer. That means so much coming from you!
I have to say….Your house is one of my favorites through this entire holiday of house tours. You always create rooms that I would feel at home in. I can’t even pick a favorite part because I like it all! Merry Christmas Lauren!
That means so much for you to say that, Jamie, because I LOVE your style! Your home tour was beautiful too. Hope you and your family have a merry Christmas!
Hi Lauren! Everything is so magical and beautiful! There is love everywhere!!! Thanks for sharing!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Thank you, Ana! That’s so awesome that you’re visiting my little blog all the way from Portugal!
Love your beautifully decorated home. It’s so warm and cozy. Love the typewriter and Santa’s letter touch.
Thanks so much, Mary! That’s one of my favorite parts too. š
I was searching for some great christmas decoration ideas as i have to set some stockings on fireplace. Thanks to you I find some great ideas. I must say you did a great job by shaing detail pictures of each and every style you added into this place.
I am so glad you find this helpful!! Happy Decorating!!